‘Distribution system for $100,000 cash grant could be improved’ – Jagdeo

Addressing complaints that teachers and other public servants had to spend hours in line to get their $100,000 cash grant earlier this week, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged that the distribution system could be improved.

“I saw the situation with some public servants and teachers and it should’ve never happened,” Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference.

He later added, “I agree they may have been issues with people waiting too long and all of that. It is a fair comment and we do have to find ways of getting the distribution done better.”

The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant for each Guyanese adult has gotten underway and teachers in Region Four were among those who started getting the grant on Monday.

Scores of teachers assembled outside the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam, equipped with umbrellas and water bottles as they waited to get inside. Once inside, those who signed up previously were verified and were able to get their cheques quickly.

Jagdeo said efforts are being made to get the cheques prepared to as many people as possible before the end of this year. However, he said more dispersed system could be in place to get the cheques to people.

According to him, the Ministry of Finance has been engaged on moving to a better system that involves a “more conscientious way” of distributing the grant, possibly by engaging the managers of different agencies.

Outside of the distribution on the coast, the Vice President pointed out that the process went more smoothly in hinterland areas as teams went into communities and hubs.